State Agencies

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives approved House Bill 2460, sponsored by Rep. Anita Kulik, to make Hunter-Trapper Education accessible in schools for grades 6-12. The Pennsylvania Game Commission will develop an age-appropriate program including firearm safety instruction. Pennsylvania joins Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, West Virginia, Illinois, Tennessee, New Mexico, and Georgia in similar legislative efforts.

The Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, in coordination with county sheriff's offices, has temporarily restricted recreational target shooting with firearms on wildlife management areas in 16 Utah counties due to drought conditions and severe wildfire concerns. DWR Director Riley Peck stated the restriction protects essential wildlife habitat during extreme fire danger. Legal firearm possession and hunting remain unaffected.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department urges public stewardship during drought conditions, recommending fire safety, respecting closures, staying on trails, protecting aquatic health, and volunteering for habitat restoration to support wildlife struggling with limited forage and water resources.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources approved regulations allowing Class 1 pedal-assist e-bikes limited to 20 mph on state park trails and public lands. The change aims to welcome new users and accommodate those with mobility challenges while maintaining trail safety. Secretary Josh Kurtz and Director Sandi Olek emphasized the regulations' focus on inclusive recreation and responsible trail use.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will rehabilitate the South Unit at Houghton Lake Flats this summer, replacing the aging dike system's concrete dam, pumphouse, and pipes to restore water level control and improve wildlife habitat for species like trumpeter swans and osprey.

The Michigan DNR approved Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes on select DNR-managed trails in 2024. Riders should know their e-bike's class, find appropriate DNR-managed trails, and follow safety guidelines including yielding to other users and leaving no trace.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission is hosting a regional workshop on July 22 in Bay County to help local governments establish gopher tortoise protection policies and access financial incentives for habitat management. Caitlin Jones, Local Government Coordinator for FWC's Wildlife Diversity Conservation Section, emphasizes the importance of local government partnerships in conservation efforts.

Montana is launching a specialty license plate starting July 1 that raises funds for wildlife crossing structures on highways. The plate, featuring artwork by Kylie Bute, a Gallatin High School graduate, will generate $20 per sale to Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks' Wildlife Highway Crossings and Accommodations Account to support collision-reduction projects statewide.

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved new fishing and hunting rules effective immediately, including a 20 crappie daily limit at Lake Eufaula and Atoka Lake, eliminated crappie limits at Close to Home Fishing waters and seven other lakes, and updated 2026-27 seasons for migratory game birds, deer, elk, and black bear.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is proposing updates to fees for state parks, fishing access sites, wildlife management areas, and fisheries conservation areas. Division administrator Renee Lemon stated the current fee rules are outdated and difficult to administer, with proposed changes intended to reflect inflation, simplify structures, and maintain affordability while inviting public comment.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on agenda items for the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission meeting on August 19, including fisheries improvement programs, wildlife management, and conservation easements. Public comments are accepted through July 23 via online portal or mail.

The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved three emergency rules and five resolutions affecting hunting, fishing, and wildlife on June 22. The Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Foundation donated $293,250, bringing their total conservation support to over half a million dollars in the past year. Director Wade Free reported on various activities including a Fisheries Division project that removed 23,508 crappie from Boomer Lake in Stillwater.

Nebraska's Trout in the Classroom program, sponsored by Nebraska Trout Unlimited Chapter 710 and coordinated by Nebraska Game and Parks, is accepting applications through August for the 2026-2027 school year. Teachers can raise live fish in classrooms and receive training and scholarships.

The Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department is accepting public comment on proposed amendments to four regulations regarding big game reporting, tagging, bow and crossbow standards, and leashed tracking dogs. A public hearing will be held July 17 at 5:30 p.m. at the VTrans Dill Building in Barre, Vermont, with remote participation available.

The Georgia Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Resources Division is seeking public comment on proposed rules governing private recreational docks over state-owned tidal waters. The rules would formalize the current authorization process for dock construction, modification, and maintenance through revocable licenses. Written comments are accepted through July 24, 2026.

Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks is seeking public comment on environmental assessments including a Foys to Blacktail conservation easement proposal with the Flathead Land Trust and General Custer Fishing Access Site repairs on the Bighorn River.

The Arizona Game and Fish Commission will hold a public meeting on Friday, June 26, at 8 a.m. at the Payson Public Library in Payson, Arizona. Complete agendas and information on viewing the meeting or speaking to the commission are available at www.azgfd.com/commagenda.

The Wyoming Game and Fish Department is hosting a virtual public comment opportunity on June 30 for the revision of Wyoming's State Wildlife Action Plan. Rhiannon Jakopak, the State Wildlife Action Plan coordinator, emphasized the plan's goal to proactively conserve species and habitats through coordinated statewide efforts. Written feedback is accepted through July 27.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources seeks volunteers to mentor youth at the DNR's Pocket Park in Escanaba during the Upper Peninsula State Fair, Aug. 17-23. Volunteers will help with fishing, archery, pellet guns, and other outdoor activities. Businesses and organizations can sponsor shifts with recognition provided.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources announced it will reduce in-person customer service hours at its Sault Ste. Marie Customer Service Center from five days to three days per week beginning July 1. The office will operate Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with customers able to access services via phone, online platforms, or the Newberry Customer Service Center.